-Mt. Bierstadt-

CO 14er: #4/54

Elevation: 14,060 ft.

Date Hiked: 6-9-2007

Trip Report:
Mt. Bierstadt is a 14er situated next to its higher neighbor Mt. Evans. It is only 60 feet above 14,000 feet, one of the lower 14ers. It is also a very popular hike because of its proximity to Denver. This was the second time I had tried to hike this mountain but the first during the summer or close to summer.

Mt. Bierstadt from Guanella Pass

I left Denver around 5:30 AM and made it to the trailhead around 6:45. The road was clear of snow all the way to the pass. I left at 7 and made my way across the drainage. There was a snow bridge which I crossed but was melting quickly. I made my way across the wooden bridges and through the willows. The weather was excellent with only a few clouds in the sky.

Hikers with Grays and Torreys in the Background

The Snow Bridge

There were many other people and dogs hiking today and taking advantage of the great weather. Once I made my way through the willows the snow was constant to the top. This made going a little slower but I still made good time to the summit. The views from the top were great, there was still snow on all of the high mountains.

Mt. Evans from the Summit

Mt. Spaulding from the Summit

A Frozen Abyss Lake

Looking Back at the Summit

The Summit from Near the Top of the Willows

The Top of the Sawtooth